Klopp saw the Netherlands international live in action during BVB's Champions League encounters with Arsenal last season, and he was thoroughly impressed with the former Feyenoord star's performance.

"Personally, when we played against Arsenal in London, I saw the best forward ever: Robin van Persie," the Dortmund coach told Uefa.com.

"I didn't know a player could play three positions during 90 minutes. It was a great experience – and we want to use that now."

Klopp then went on to hail his side's progress in recent years, and is delighted that BVB have been able to keep their team together.

"It is incredible how fast the development is going and how much the guys learn. We are such a young team. When we started in Europe three years ago, the average age was 22. We are now around 23.6, still young," he added.

"In football today, it is rare to grow together, so everyone at the club is happy about the development of this team."

Dortmund take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League round of 16 next month.